George Hurd
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
In a rehabilitation tank hidden away from the public at Anglesey Sea Zoo, Kemp's ridley turtle, Rossi, is now fighting fit. The turtle's outgrown several tanks after being found in a coma on a beach on the island at the end of 2023. It's time for Rossi to go home, and home is the Gulf of Mexico, or as the new US government would have us say, the Gulf of America.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
And that's where it all starts to fall apart.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
One of the first acts of Donald Trump when he started his second term as president was to sign an executive order pressing pause on all foreign aid. That includes overseas marine turtle conservation work. It was a bolt from the blue for sea zoo owner Frankie Hobra. Back on Anglesey.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
The agency overseeing the conservation work in the States is the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as being told to implement the White House orders. It's also under pressure from billionaire Elon Musk and his government's efficiency drive, with 400 posts already axed. The former director of the service is Martha Williams, appointed to serve during Joe Biden's presidency.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
BBC Wales has asked the Fish and Wildlife Service to comment on its international programmes. In the meantime, Martha Williams has this advice for those back on Anglesey looking after Frost Sea.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Back at the Sisu, Frankie Hobra is now looking at how they can move forward and get Rossi home.
Global News Podcast
Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur
Of course, back in their tank, Rossi is blissfully unaware they've become a casualty of international politics. But the Sisu is confident it's more a matter of when, not if, this turtle finds its way back home to America.